Yes, that's what we'd call "Brise Soleil" here. I did consider something like that, or shutters, but it would have cost more, and there are complications, such as I don't have a long enough ladder to do the upstairs windows, and the windows are very close to the eaves of the roof. It would work for the kitchen windows, but not the biggest culprit, the french patio windows, again because the roof is too close to the window lintel. I also needed something I could put together quickly - this was just a couple of hours of figuring out, measuring and cutting and sticking.

I agree. Its just a big impact lower cost option. Have you considered some eaves? If you can get your hands on some timber? If you figure the angle of the sun on your home, some placed at strategic windows could be a good help.

We're primarily looking at passive solutions that don't consume electricity, because energy prices in the UK are sky-high and going up. We're on a very low income, so passives are a long-term investment with a one-time cost are a very attractive option, and should hopefully last several years.

I have been looking at your sunshades. I know its not a cheap option but you seem good with small electronics. Watch out for a dehumidifier, or window based aircon unit with a dehumidifier. Its not so much for the aircon, its for the dehumidifier, generally that function is a lot cheaper to run. removing the humid air from your home will make if feel like the temp has dropped a few °

It's pretty amazing, isn't it? It reminds me of Xara Pro from the 1990's. Keeps getting better and better!

Dont ya just love inkscape

Haha all good, friend

You've got a point. Lasers are hella cool. I just realised I replied to the wrong post, then deleted it, and then re-replied to the correct post, whilst you were counter-replying. Sorry if that's confusing.

I’m sure I could strap one to the shaft ;-) though not sure how useful it would be!

The link is https://makerpunkbuzz.mywire.org/posts/litter_picker/ and there's an RSS feed link in the side menu.

Useful? Who cares, it's a frickin laser!

Should be good - very durable - but you'd need a more powerful laser than I've got, or a CNC. If you make it, let me know!

I will take a look. Whats the link or RSS?

I read it as "weird marker blogs" and thought, why yes, I am interested in weird markers.

Sweet. I just realised I have the perfect piece of scrap aluminum for something like this.

I read that as "laser pointer little picker" and now I want one with a laser pointer attached